Celtics’ Jae Crowder Out Minimum of Two Weeks

Celtics coach Brad Stevens struck an optimistic tone following Friday night’s game against the Houston Rockets when he said there was little swelling around Jae Crowder’s ankle after a sprain suffered in the third quarter, and that the injury might not be too serious.

Then the ankle swelled overnight, prompting a much different assessment of Crowder’s return following Sunday’s practice.

“He’ll be out a couple of weeks … minimum,” Stevens said as the team faces a daunting stretch of the schedule without its best two-way player.

LeBron James Still Uncertain for Season Opener

LeBron James tested his injured left ankle during a portion of practice Sunday, but it’s still not known if he’ll play in Cleveland’s season opener.

James has been slowed since spraining his ankle in practice on Sept. 27. The three-time NBA champion sat out the Cavaliers’ first three exhibition games before making his debut last week against Chicago. He played 30 minutes but may have aggravated his ankle while making a spin move in the loss.

Rodney Hood, Jazz Don’t Come to Agreement on Extension

Rodney Hood and the Utah Jazz will not come to an agreement on a contract extension, barring a last minute change, sources tell The Salt Lake Tribune, clearing the way for Hood to become a restricted free agent next summer.